A woman who called 911 from Central Park with false accusations against an African-American man has been fired. Christian Cooper said he was out bird-watching Monday morning when he noticed a dog off its leash. Since leashes are required in that part of the park, Cooper says he asked the woman to restrain her dog. When she didn’t comply, he says he offered her dog treats to stop it from chewing on a tree. That’s when he says Amy Cooper (no relation) called police and said “There is an African American man. He is recording me and threatening myself and my dog.” Christian Cooper’s sister shared the video, which quickly went viral.
Oh, when Karens take a walk with their dogs off leash in the famous Bramble in NY’s Central Park, where it is clearly posted on signs that dogs MUST be leashed at all times, and someone like my brother (an avid birder) politely asks her to put her dog on the leash. pic.twitter.com/3YnzuATsDm
— Melody Cooper (@melodyMcooper) May 25, 2020
The investment company Amy Cooper works for, Franklin Templeton, at first said they were “investigating the situation,” but today we learned they decided to fire her.
Following our internal review of the incident in Central Park yesterday, we have made the decision to terminate the employee involved, effective immediately. We do not tolerate racism of any kind at Franklin Templeton.
— Franklin Templeton (@FTI_US) May 26, 2020
In interviews, the woman said: “I’m not a racist. I did not mean to harm that man in any way. I sincerely and humbly apologize to everyone, especially to that man, his family.”
NBC New York interviewed both with Christian Cooper and Amy Cooper Monday night. Watch above to hear what they said.
Meanwhile, there were also questions about how Cooper was treating her dog during the incident. A rescue group named Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue, Inc. released this statement:
Thank you to the concerned public for reaching out to us about a video involving a dog that was adopted from our rescue a few years ago. As of this evening, the owner has voluntarily surrendered the dog in question to our rescue while this matter is being addressed. Our mission remains the health and safety of our rescued dogs. The dog is now in our rescue’s care and he is safe and in good health.
A little background on the bird-watcher that this woman called the cops on: found out he’s the college friend of a friend. This dude graduated from Harvard! Just goes to show that white supremacy is no respecter of station. Anti-blackness just sees blk. Can’t graduate from that.
— Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow) May 26, 2020
This is the most important piece you'll read all day. Please take a few minutes to read it whether you are the person who takes for granted the power to instantly police black and brown people, or the person routinely policed, even in places where you are simply living your life. https://t.co/oRf7T6YKXo
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) May 26, 2020